Answer:
17.8
Explanation:
We are dealing with a right triangle so we use sine, cosine, and tangent
a helpful phrase to remember is SOH-CAH-TOA which translates to
Sine = opp/hyp
Cos = adj/hyp
Tan= opp/adj
so we know the side lengths given are 20 and x
using the 27 degrees as a reference point the 20 is the hypotenuse and the x is adjacent(touching) the 27 degrees
So the trig function that uses the hypotenuse and adjacent leg is cosine
So here's how we set this up :
cos 27° = x/20
the cosine of 27 roughly is 0.891 so to get x by itself you multiply 20 by both sides and you get (0.891 )(20) = x
X = 17.82